Case notes on veterinary investigations in sheep, cattle and other species

2013 spring edition of case studies

Spring 2013 State Report
Written by: Bruce Watt, Tablelands LHPA

Sheep

Reproductive performance of a small Dorper flock in North-West NSW
Written by: Libby Guest, North West Livestock Health and Pest Authority, Narrabri
Dorpers are promoted in Australia as being easy-care, drought-tolerant, fertile and productive. The aim of this study was to record the reproductive performance of a small Dorper flock on the plains of north-western NSW ... Read More

Cattle

Copper deficiencies in North Coast Hereford cows
Written by: Ainslie Lund, District Veterinarian, Grafton
Copper deficiency is quite common on the mid and north coast of NSW with many soils low in available copper, with availability strongly affected by molybdenum and sulphur levels and possibly iron as well ... Read More

Classical epitheliogenesis imperfecta in a new born calf
Written by: Robert Templeton, District Veterinarian Braidwood SELLS
Classical epitheliogenesis imperfecta is a congenital condition characterised by failure of development of the skin and/or mucous membranes. It is not compatible with life ... Read More

Developmental duplications (DD) in Angus calves | Posted 4 December 2013
Written by: Laurence Denholm, Principal Policy Analyst, Trade and Investment NSW and Lisa Martin,?District Veterinarian, New England LHPA
Angus Australia, the American Angus Association and Angus breed societies in other countries have declared DD to be a recognized genetic condition in the Angus breed.??The DD allele is transmitted in Angus and Angus infused breeds (Brangus, Black Simmental,etc.) ... Read More

Pyrrolizidine alkaloid toxicity in dairy heifers
Written by: Katelyn Braine, Charles Sturt University Veterinary Student Intern, Riverina LHPA, Deniliquin and Dan Salmon, District Veterinarian, Riverina LHPA, Deniliquin
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids are amongst the most important natural toxins affecting livestock, the main sources are plant species including Senecio, Ageratum, Heliotropium, Echium) and Crotalaria. This report details an ongoing case of pyrrolizidine alkaloid toxicity in a group of dairy heifers over a 10 month period ... Read More

Other

Epizootic haemorrhagic disease - is this a disease of alpacas?
Written by: Zoe Feigen (final year student, University of Sydney), Diane Ryan (Elizabeth MacArthur Agricultural Institute, Menangle) and Bruce Watt (Central Tablelands Local Lands Services, Bathurst)
Epizootic Haemorrhagic Disease is viral disease, primarily of ruminants. Overseas, it causes severe disease in cervids and is associated with mild disease in cattle and bighorn sheep and carrier states in domestic sheep, goats and other wild ungulates. Some importing countries request certification for Australian alpacas ... Read More

Ventral oedema in Angora goats
Written by: Melissa Sullivan (student Charles Sturt University), Michelle Monaghan (Lithgow Veterinary Hospital), Diane Ryan (NSW DPI, Menangle) and Bruce Watt (Central Tablelands Local Land Services, Bathurst)
South African angora goats produce some of the finest mohair in the world but unfortunately, this selection for high quality fleeces has been linked to traits of reduced fitness, including a susceptibility to ventral oedema, known colloquially as ‘water belly’ or ‘swelling disease’ ... Read More